DoorDash Driver Faces Felony Charges Over Tainted Food
A DoorDash delivery driver is facing serious felony charges in Evansville, Indiana, after allegedly spraying a customer’s food with an unknown substance, an act that caused the couple who ordered the meal to vomit and experience severe burning sensations.
The investigation began on December 7, when the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a local resident. The man stated that after consuming a fast-food order delivered via the DoorDash platform, both he and his wife suffered from intense irritation in their mouths, noses, throats, and stomachs, according to a press release from the department.
Evidence Captured on Doorbell Camera
The victim grew suspicious after discovering a red residue on the delivery bag. Upon reviewing footage from a doorbell camera, he observed the driver approaching the residence, dropping off the food, and capturing the required delivery confirmation photo. The video allegedly shows the woman using a small aerosol canister attached to her keychain to spray a substance directly toward the food items.
Through account records provided by DoorDash, investigators identified the driver as Kourtney Stevenson, a resident of Kentucky. During a subsequent phone conversation with local authorities, Stevenson claimed she had been working for the delivery service while visiting her father in the area. She alleged that she had used pepper spray, but insisted it was to neutralize a spider.
Authorities Dispute Claims
The sheriff’s department has formally challenged Stevenson’s explanation regarding the spider. Officials noted that with overnight temperatures in Indiana dropping to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, local spiders would not be active or capable of crawling on exposed surfaces.
Following Stevenson’s refusal to voluntarily participate in an interview with detectives, a warrant was issued for her arrest. She currently faces the following charges:
- Battery resulting in a moderate injury
- Consumer product tampering
Stevenson is currently awaiting extradition to Indiana. Meanwhile, The New York Times and NBC News report that it remains unclear if she has retained legal counsel to address these allegations.
Platform Response
DoorDash has taken immediate action following the incident. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that Stevenson has been permanently banned from the platform.
“We have absolutely zero tolerance for this type of appalling behavior,” the spokesperson stated. “The Dasher’s access to the platform has been permanently removed, and our team is supporting law enforcement with their investigation.”